Millions of Britons have been urged to pour hot water down their drains to get rid of pest that could do significant damage.
A content creator shared some advice about how to deal with drain flies after seeing a “really gross” Reddit post about them.
In a TikTok video, he explained that a couple had found a “black mass of creatures” wriggling around in an unused drain, something that is “relatively common”, he said.
The bubbling black sludge is actually “drain fly larvae”, with females laying hundreds of eggs inside the sludge that accumulates inside drains.
Drain flies thrive in dark, damp conditions and can be found in polluted water. They are usually a light grey or tan colour and have a dark border around their wings.
The content creator continued: “Basically, anywhere there is standing water in your home, they will spawn.
“In small numbers they are not typically considered harmful, but if you have an infestation, they can spread pretty harmful bacteria to your food, contaminating surfaces…they’re not something you want in your home.”
Flies are usually seen resting on the walls of bathrooms or hovering above sinks and drain holes, according to Fantastic Pest Control.
According to expert Rob Chadwick, of CGC Interiors and Outdoor Lighting, it’s imperative to “cut the flies off at the source which, more often than not, is inside the sink pipes”.
In order to remove the drain flies, he advised an “easy solution” by regularly pouring hot water down the drain every three to five days.
The expert said this would “effectively clean the drains and kill the eggs, larvae and any adult flies”.
Chadwick added: “Others will recommend mixing baking soda and vinegar together, with half the soda to vinegar as a rough ratio, followed by hot water.”
He’s found that “hot water is usually more than sufficient” but the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) cautioned that “pouring hot water down the drain may [only] provide short-term control”.
“Drain fly larvae are difficult to drown because they are able to trap air bubbles and remain submerged for a day or more,” the BCPA added.
The BCPA noted: “The most effective method is to clean pipes and traps thoroughly to remove accumulated slime. Good housekeeping is key.”
